When most people think of Bordeaux, they think of famous names. Margaux. Pauillac. Saint-Émilion. The sort of wines that make collectors reach for their wallets and everyone else quietly reach for another shelf.
But Bordeaux is a vast wine region, home to thousands of producers spread across more than 100 appellations. And tucked away on the right bank of the Garonne River lies one of its best-value secrets: Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux.
Before anyone asks, no, the wines aren’t named after the American luxury car. In fact, it’s the other way round. The founder of Detroit, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, took his name from the town of Cadillac in south-west France and the famous car brand later borrowed it.
So yes, for one month only at The Good Wine Shop, you really can enjoy a Cadillac you can afford.
Where is Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux?
Located around 30 kilometres south-east of Bordeaux city, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux sits on a series of rolling limestone and clay hills overlooking the Garonne River.
The region forms part of the wider Côtes de Bordeaux family of appellations and has built a reputation for producing rich, approachable red wines, primarily from Merlot, supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and occasionally Petit Verdot.
The result is a style of Bordeaux that tends to be generous, fruit-forward and excellent value. These are wines that don’t require a special occasion, a decanting ritual or a second mortgage.
That’s not to say they lack complexity. Far from it. The best examples offer all the dark fruit, spice and structure that Bordeaux lovers seek, just with a little less formality.
A Region with a Sweet Side
Interestingly, Cadillac is also famous for something else entirely: sweet wine.
The morning mists that drift along the Garonne encourage the development of noble rot (Botrytis Cinerea), the same phenomenon responsible for the great wines of nearby Sauternes. While the reds may dominate today’s wine lists, sweet Cadillac wines remain one of the region’s hidden treasures.
And if your experience of sweet wine begins and ends with Christmas pudding, it may be time for a rethink.
A good Cadillac Liquoreux can be one of the most versatile wines at the table, pairing beautifully with blue cheese, spicy food, pâté, fruit desserts and even certain seafood dishes.
Five Wines Worth Discovering
As part of our June focus on Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, we’ve selected a range of wines that showcase the diversity of the region.
This perhaps the perfect introduction to Cadillac.
Unlike many Bordeaux reds, Les Vignes de Coulous is Cabernet-led and sees no oak ageing, allowing the fruit to take centre stage. Expect vibrant blackberry, blackcurrant and red berry flavours with a freshness that makes it remarkably easy to drink.
Try it with: charcuterie, grilled sausages, burgers or a summer barbecue.
Owned by the same group behind Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem, Château de Ricaud consistently delivers wines that punch well above their price point.
The 2019 combines Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Petit Verdot, bringing layers of cassis, blackberry, liquorice and spice. More structured than Les Vignes de Coulous, it offers a glimpse of just how serious Cadillac can be.
Try it with: slow-roasted lamb, beef short ribs or rich mushroom dishes.
Where Ricaud brings power, Fontenille brings elegance.
Produced by one of the region’s most respected family estates, this wine balances ripe fruit with freshness and finesse. Floral notes, bright red and black fruits and fine tannins make it a particularly food-friendly style of Bordeaux.
Try it with: duck breast, roast pork, grilled vegetables or mushroom risotto.
One of the joys of wine is seeing how it evolves over time, and Château Reynon 2009 offers exactly that opportunity.
Produced by the renowned Denis Dubourdieu family, this mature Bordeaux has moved beyond primary fruit into a world of cedar, tobacco, leather, dried fruits and savoury spice. The addition of Petit Verdot contributes further complexity and structure.
It’s a reminder that Bordeaux isn’t always about youth and fruit. Sometimes the most rewarding bottles are the ones that have done a little growing up.
Try it with: roast lamb, game, hard cheeses or simply good conversation.
(Manual Harvest at Chateau Reynon)
The wildcard of the collection.
Made from grapes affected by noble rot, this sweet wine offers notes of honey, apricot, citrus peel and candied fruit, balanced by refreshing acidity.
Sweet wines remain one of the most misunderstood categories in wine, often reserved for dessert when they can be far more versatile.
Try it with: blue cheese, foie gras, Thai curry, fruit tarts or a sunny afternoon when you fancy something a little different.
Why We Love Cadillac
One of the pleasures of being an independent wine merchant is introducing customers to regions they may not have discovered otherwise.
Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux may not have the prestige of Bordeaux’s most famous names, but that’s part of its appeal. The wines offer authenticity, character and value, while still delivering the classic flavours that have made Bordeaux one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions.
Whether you’re looking for an everyday red, a mature bottle with some age under its belt, or a sweet wine that challenges expectations, Cadillac has something worth exploring.
